Sheep in Pasture

I’m pleased to say that there are still people out there who are buying paintings. This ACEO has been quite popular on Artfinder, so I’m pleased it has finally sold. The next challenge is to get it to the customer through our mail system, over an only partially open border and into the buyers mail box. Things like that seemed simple a couple of months ago, but now, not so much.

I don’t leave my condo these days and never go into shops, so I have to get creative. I had scheduled a grocery pick up on Thursday, so I can combine it with that, then I just need to find a post office that is still open and one without a lineup. Things have completely changed since I last went outside my little enclave, so it will be an adventure.

In the meantime here is the sweet little scene to say farewell before it heads out on its adventure.

May God hold you in the palm of his hand

Sunrise over the bay ACEO by Sea Dean - On Sale here

May the road rise up to meet you. 

May the wind be always at your back. 

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

May the rains fall soft upon your fields 

and until we meet again, 

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Since I first saw this blessing It has given me a warm glow and made me feel important and loved. I hope it does the same for you this St Patrick’s Day. 

If I was in Ireland I would go down the local pub and spend a pleasant evening listening to great music, chatting with friends (everyone is so friendly there) and imbibing some glorious draft Guinness, followed by Irish whisky or real Irish coffee without sugar on the rim and with delicious fresh cream from an Irish cow! I would then step out into a dank drizzly night and almost fly home with a rosy glow to sit in front of a roaring peat fire.

If only I was in Ireland....

Thank you for visit my blog. Happy St Patrick’s Day

Amazing Miniatures

I know everyone is waiting for Black Friday and Cyber Monday to purchase their larger gifts, but I wanted to give you a heads up that I have a sale on small gifts over on Artfinder. The sale covers many of my tiny ACEO miniatures, which often come mounted in a mat ready to pop into a standard frame.

PRE BLACK FRIDAY AMAZING MINIATURES SALE.

Article on the origins of ACEO

ADVENT GIFT - Appreciation

GRATITUDE ACEO by Sea Dean - available at artfinder.com/sea-dean

The funny thing about giving a gift like appreciation or gratitude is that you get back far more than you give. So here is the task ... leave an in depth comment on a blog that you follow, letting the writer know just how much you appreciate them and why. Us bloggers rarely get any real in depth feedback and I know it will warm their heart and yours. You’re welcome to appreciate me, but please add another blogger that you wouldn’t usually think of as well. Tis the season!

And I also want you to know how much I appreciate you following my ramblings. I know I can be eclectic at times and preachy at others, but I hope you get something out of my blog. I also know that you share, tweet and post my blog on regularly and for that I’m deeply grateful.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

ADVENT GIFT - Simplicity

One of the best ways to chip out a chunk of relaxation from your busy day is to get organized. A little pre-planning pays back over and over again throughout the year. Use “Search“ in my blog to find tips on cataloging and organizing. I came across an artist this week who sells limited editions of some of her work and she has them all pre-packaged and ready to ship. I was inspired!

SUNRISE OVER THE BAY by Sea Dean - Pastel ACEO in Mat

I spent all weekend adding mostly miniature and small paintings to my Artfinder Gallery. I 
scanned and tweaked older listings. At the same time, I packaged and organized all Artfinder listings in a special section of my studio so I can ship them immediately, in time for the holidays. And I can pack several in one stiff mailer to save on packaging and shipping. So if youre doing some last minute shopping I have my skates on.

Any questions please feel free to contact me. 
Visit https://www.artfinder.com/sea-dean

KITTY One Finger Drawing - Now in limited edition bamboo print at my Artfinder Gallery

One helpful Artfinder artist has compiled a collection of miniatures here. 
https://www.artfinder.com/u/nathan-jones/collections/miniatures-from-af-artists/

VALENTINE WEEK - Growing in Love ACEO

GROWING IN LOVE ACEO

2.5" x 3.5" canvas paper

3 day auction

I've always found this original ACEO a comical piece. Some say it looks like a sugar skull. To me it is a clown or an angel fish seen from the front. On its side there are two people locked in a deep kiss. Make of it what you wish :) 

This is part of my Valentine Week auction. I'm happy to combine orders for shipping or mail to your Valentine direct.

VALENTINE WEEK - Where the Heart is ACEO

Even flowers celebrate Valentines Day. This is a botanical abstract of the heart of a tulip ... yes those hearts were natural. Look inside a variegated tulip and see if you can find your own natural hearts.

WHERE THE HEART IS ACEO
2.5" x 3.5" canvas paper
3 day auction



A lovely subtle reminder of your love. Bid or purchase now to receive your gift in time. For $10 extra I can place it in a mat which will easily slip into a standard 5" x 7" frame.

FEATURE ARTIST - OKANAGAN VINEYARD ACEO

OKANAGAN VINEYARD ACEO
by Sea Dean
2.5" x 3.5" Acid Free Bristol



Now on view at Lake Country Art Gallery Shop on the feature artist wall.

I've been an avid supporter of the Art Shop since it was created over two years ago. It used to be housed in the Art House, an annex for working artists next to the gallery. A year ago many volunteers put out a huge amount of effort to renovate the back room of the gallery into a much larger shop, which is packed with the most amazing selection of local art, from jewellery to stained glass to handmade soap and of course art cards, prints and paintings.

The volunteers that work in the shop are the local artists themselves, and I am proudly one of them. That way, visitors can be assured that no matter when they visit, they can ask questions of a working artist, see their work and immerse themselves in the local art world.

It's easy to follow my blog in a method that works for you. All the links are around the edges. Various links will also take you to my online shops and galleries. Thanks for dropping by.

FEATURE ARTIST - OKANAGAN LOOKOUT ACEO

OKANAGAN LOOKOUT ACEO
by Sea Dean
2.5" x 3.5" Acid Free Bristol



This collector miniature can be purchased on Daily Paintworks in an archival bag with no mat or frame. Centered in a soft white 8" x 10" mat is $15 extra including shipping. Mounted in a miniature 4" x 5" frame is $25 extra.

FEATURE ARTIST - KALAMALKA WILLOW ACEO

KALAMALKA WILLOW ACEO
by Sea Dean
2.5" x 3.5" Acid Free Bristol


 
Now on view at Lake Country Art Gallery Shop on the feature artist wall.

I've been an avid supporter of the Art Shop since it was created over two years ago. It used to be housed in the Art House, an annex for working artists next to the gallery. A year ago many volunteers put out a huge amount of effort to renovate the back room of the gallery into a much larger shop, which is packed with the most amazing selection of local art, from jewellery to stained glass to handmade soap and of course art cards, prints and paintings.

The volunteers that work in the shop are the local artists themselves, and I am proudly one of them. That way, visitors can be assured that no matter when they visit, they can ask questions of a working artist, see their work and immerse themselves in the local art world.

It's easy to follow my blog in a method that works for you. All the links are around the edges. Various links will also take you to my online shops and galleries. Thanks for dropping by.

FEATURE ARTIST - OKANAGAN VIEWPOINT ACEO

OKANAGAN VIEWPOINT ACEO
by Sea Dean
2.5" x 3.5" Acid Free Bristol



Now on view at Lake Country Art Gallery Shop on the feature artist wall.

I've been an avid supporter of the Art Shop since it was created over two years ago. It used to be housed in the Art House, an annex for working artists next to the gallery. A year ago many volunteers put out a huge amount of effort to renovate the back room of the gallery into a much larger shop, which is packed with the most amazing selection of local art, from jewellery to stained glass to handmade soap and of course art cards, prints and paintings.

The volunteers that work in the shop are the local artists themselves, and I am proudly one of them. That way, visitors can be assured that no matter when they visit, they can ask questions of a working artist, see their work and immerse themselves in the local art world.

FEATURE ARTIST - OKANAGAN VIEW ACEO

OKANAGAN VIEW ACEO
by Sea Dean
2.5" x 3.5" Acid Free Bristol
Acrylic



This is a similar painting to the ACEO watercolor published a few days ago. In fact it was taken from the same inspiration image, but the completely different medium gives it a completely different look.

Now on view at Lake Country Art Gallery Shop on the Feature Artist wall.

I've been an avid supporter of the Art Shop since it was created over two years ago. It used to be housed in the Art House, an annex for working artists next to the gallery. A year ago many volunteers put out a huge amount of effort to renovate the back room of the gallery into a much larger shop, which is packed with the most amazing selection of local art, from jewellery to stained glass to handmade soap and of course art cards, prints and paintings.

The volunteers that work in the shop are the local artists themselves and I am proudly one of them. That way, visitors can be assured that no matter when they visit, they can ask questions of a working artist, see their work and immerse themselves in the local art world.

It's easy to follow my blog in a method that works for you. All the links are around the edges. Various links will also take you to my online shops and galleries. Thanks for dropping by.

FEATURE ARTIST - KALAMALKA VIEW ACEO

KALAMALKA VIEW ACEO
by Sea Dean
3.5" x 2.5" Acid Free Bristol
Acrylic



This is another view of our famous local lake. The colors are formed by the crystal clear water, bright sunshine and various types of lake bed including white sand and lake weeds. It's a beautiful place. 

Now on view at Lake Country Art Gallery Shop on the feature artist wall.

I've been an avid supporter of the Art Shop since it was created over two years ago. It used to be housed in the Art House, an annex for working artists next to the gallery. A year ago many volunteers put out a huge amount of effort to renovate the back room of the gallery into a much larger shop, which is packed with the most amazing selection of local art, from jewellery to stained glass to handmade soap and of course art cards, prints and paintings.

The volunteers that work in the shop are the local artists themselves, and I am proudly one of them. That way, visitors can be assured that no matter when they visit, they can ask questions of a working artist, see their work and immerse themselves in the local art world.

It's easy to follow my blog in a method that works for you. All the links are around the edges. Various links will also take you to my online shops and galleries. Thanks for dropping by.

FEATURE ARTIST - KALAMALKA COVE ACEO

KALAMALKA COVE ACEO
by Sea Dean
2.5" x 3.5" Acid Free Bristol
Acrylic 



Kalamalka is a beautiful lake not far from where I live. The waters are multi-colored including purples and turquoises. The name means multi-colored in the original first nation language. It is a popular spot for visitor and locals alike.

Now on view at Lake Country Art Gallery Shop on the feature artist wall.

I've been an avid supporter of the Art Shop since it was created over two years ago. It used to be housed in the Art House, an annex for working artists next to the gallery. A year ago many volunteers put out a huge amount of effort to renovate the back room of the gallery into a much larger shop, which is packed with the most amazing selection of local art, from jewellery to stained glass to handmade soap and of course art cards,prints and paintings.

The volunteers that work in the shop are the local artists themselves, and I am proudly one of them. That way, visitors can be assured that no matter when they visit, they can ask questions of a working artist, see their work and immerse themselves in the local art world.

It's easy to follow my blog in a method that works for you. All the links are around the edges. Various links will also take you to my online shops and galleries. Thanks for dropping by.

FEATURE ARTIST - THE LAKE IN THE HILLS ACEO - Mixology

LAKE IN THE HILLS ACEO 
by Sea Dean 
2.5" x 3.5" Acid Free Bristol
Watercolor and Acrylic



Now on view at Lake Country Art Gallery Shop on the feature artist wall.

I've been an avid supporter of the Art Shop since it was created over two years ago. It used to be housed in the Art House, an annex for working artists next to the gallery. A year ago many volunteers put out a huge amount of effort to renovate the back room of the gallery into a much larger shop, which is packed with the most amazing selection of local art, from jewellery to stained glass to handmade soap and of course art cards,prints and paintings.

The volunteers that work in the shop are the local artists themselves, and I am proudly one of them. That way, visitors can be assured that no matter when they visit, they can ask questions of a working artist, see their work and immerse themselves in the local art world.

Watercolors use the white of the paper to help a wash burst into color and oils use transparent oils, but with acrylics it takes more knowledge and skill to coax brilliance from the tube. Using Zinc White (mixing white) helps opaque acrylics exhibit more jewel like qualities and it's imperative to employ gel or medium to give opaques translucence and make them glow. Learning everything you can about gels, bases and mediums is a sure way to improve your acrylic painting.

This miniature painting has a watercolor base with touches of acrylic to brighten it.

It's easy to follow my blog in a method that works for you. All the links are around the edges. Various links will also take you to my online shops and galleries. Thanks for dropping by.

FEATURE ARTIST - TREE LINE LAKE ACEO - A good foundation

TREE LINE LAKE ACEO
by Sea Dean
2.5" x 3.5" Acid Free Bristol



Now on view at Lake Country Art Gallery Shop on the "Feature Artist" wall.

I've been an avid supporter of the Art Shop since it was created over two years ago. It used to be housed in the Art House, an annex for working artists next to the gallery. A year ago many volunteers put out a huge amount of effort to renovate the back room of the gallery into a much larger shop, which is packed with the most amazing selection of local art, from jewellery to stained glass to handmade soap and of course art cards,prints and paintings.

The volunteers that work in the shop are the local artists themselves, and I am proudly one of them. That way, visitors can be assured that no matter when they visit, they can ask questions of a working artist, see their work and immerse themselves in the local art world.

For a few years now, I've been using medium as a base to give a fluid touch to the brush and a smoother surface to paint on. Prior to that I applied several coats of Gesso and sanded in between, but that was very messy and I found that it sucked the moisture out of the acrylic drying it too fast. For my last Skyway collection I trialed GOLDEN GAC 100, which is recommended to seal acidic surfaces and when dry I applied medium. For this series of miniatures I decided to coat the acid free Bristol Board with GOLDEN OPEN TITANIUM WHITE.

Golden Open is the slow drying acrylic paint, which I use for plain air painting. I've never used the Bob Ross method of painting, but like others, I've spent many happy hours watching him paint on TV. Just before starting this series I remembered his use of "Liquid White" and wondered if I could duplicate the effect with Golden Open Titanium White. Answer... possibly.

The slow drying paint was a great improvement on the faster drying Liquitex Medium and Varnish I generally use. This new technique will be very useful in our hot dry summers. I'm not a big fan of Titanium White, so now I'm interested in trying some Open mediums as a base.

Stay posted by following my blog.

LOW ISLANDS AT DUSK ACEO - DAY 19

LOW ISLANDS AT DUSK ACEO
by Sea Dean
2.5" x 3.5" 140lb Strathmore WC Paper
with Postcard Back

This ACEO started off as completely different and morphed into this dreamy seascape. If you can't see it here, it can be viewed via the Daily Paintworks link to the left.

I'm painting a new collection of ACEO for a feature wall in the Lake Country Art Gallery Art Shop. I will frame some in my popular tiny frames and some in my white shadow frames. The exhibition goes up during the month of October. 

LCAG is on Bottom Wood Lake Road, near the municipal hall in Lake Country, B.C., Canada and is open Wed - Sun. 


Day15 #16Ls30in30

SEA AND SKY ACEO - DAY 17

SEA AND SKY ACEO
by Sea Dean
2.5" x 3.5" Bristol Board

If you have trouble seeing the image here it seems to be showing on the Leslie Saeta challenge blog and Daily Paintworks linked on the left.

I haven't quite worked out how to use the camera on my iPad, so the horizon looks a bit curved in this image, but it is actually a straight line. I've been studying clouds and these were inspired by the calm after a stormy night.

I will show a collage of my 30 challenge paintings On Oct 1st.

Posted as # 22 on ls30in30

OKANAGAN MOUNTAINS ACEO - DAY 15

OKANAGAN MOUNTAINS ACEO
by Sea Dean
Watercolor
2.5" x 3.5" Acid Free Bristol Board

This dramatic scene is of the Sawtooth Range and Black Mountain with Okanagan Lake in the foreground. It is one of the 30 paintings for Leslie Saeta's latest challenge. 

I'm having some challenges posting and I have a backlog of paintings to show you for the challenge. I will post my 30 painting collage at the end, but meanwhile if you have problems viewing the above image click on the Daily Paintworks link at the left, or go to Leslie Saetas blog. 

GROWING IN LOVE ACEO

GROWING IN LOVE
by Sea Dean
2.5" x 3.5" Canvas Card

This is an ACEO in it's final performance at Daily Paintworks then moving on over to Artfinder. I've been told this is reminiscent of a sugar skull. I've displayed it all four ways and it is interesting whichever way you look at it.